Crossing Borders

Crossing international borders involves more than just moving people; it also requires careful planning and compliance when transporting information, technology, and other critical supplies.

Crossing Borders

Employee & Visitor Travel

When planning Penn-affiliated travel outside of the U.S., please refer to the Travel Guidance section of our website, where you will find important information about:  

  • Outbound visas 
  • Travel insurance and emergency resources 
  • Trip registration 
  • Traveler trainings 

Penn Employee Travel for Extended Time Outside of the U.S.  

Penn employees who will travel outside the U.S. for 30 days or more must also adhere to Penn’s Working Abroad guidance and submit a Work Abroad Request at least 4 weeks prior to departure. 

Visitors Traveling to the U.S. 

If you plan to bring a foreign person to the US, they will need to obtain a visa that is appropriate to the nature of their visit. As US immigration processes and applications can take substantial time, you should begin this process well in advance. 

Depending on the length of stay, whether or not the individual will be compensated, and the type of activity they will conduct, different visa requirements may apply. For information and guidelines regarding which immigration status is most appropriate, consult with International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) and review information available online. 

People Traveling with Technology 

International travel for Penn employees introduces new risks to your data and devices. We encourage you to also consult Penn’s Office of Information Security and their information on Data Security on Foreign Travel.  

Information, Technology, & Commodities

Export control laws (ECLs) are federal regulations that govern how information, technologies, and commodities can be transmitted to anyone internationally, including to U.S. citizens abroad or to foreign nationals in the United States, and prohibit the unlicensed export of certain items and services. Generally, most academic international collaborations, shipments, and/or travel will not require a license; however, a license determination depends on several factors. The Export Compliance Office in the Office of Research Services can help make this determination.

Shipments

License Determinations for Shipments Leaving the U.S.

  • What is the item?
  • Where is the item going?
  • Who is receiving it?
  • What will it be used for?

More Resources on Shipping

Activities

License Determination for Activities Abroad

When traveling out of the country, everything you take is considered an export and therefore subject to U.S. export control regulation–even if you bring it back. It is important to ensure that Penn-owned material and equipment, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, software, and other devices, are compliant with U.S. export control regulations. Additionally, activities in certain countries may require a license, regardless of the items involved.

The Office of Research Services should be contacted if Penn-owned equipment is involved, or the travel involves China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, and/or Venezuela.

  • Where are you going?
  • What are you taking?
  • Who are you working with?
  • What is the intended result of the collaboration/trip?

More Resources on Activities

For additional resources reach out to expctrl@lists.upenn.edu or visit Penn’s Export Compliance Office.